Written by Are you a Nigerian student aspiring to pursue graduate studies abroad? The I-Scholar Initiative (iSI) offers one of the most competitive scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students, providing support for standardized tests, application fees, and mentorship to help scholars secure fully funded international graduate scholarships.
This opportunity is ideal for ambitious graduates seeking study-abroad scholarships in the USA and other leading destinations. Read on to learn how iSI can transform your academic and professional journey.
About the Opportunity
The I-Scholar Initiative (iSI) is a non-profit organization committed to empowering talented Nigerian students to access fully funded graduate programs at world-class universities.
Focused on Master’s and PhD programs, iSI bridges financial and knowledge gaps by covering critical costs and providing structured guidance throughout the application process. The program supports self-driven scholars in fields such as STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
Since its inception, iSI has helped numerous scholars gain admission to top global institutions, earning recognition as one of the leading international scholarship initiatives for Africans.
With the 2026 application cycle now open, this is your opportunity to join a growing network of successful alumni pursuing advanced degrees abroad.
Benefits
The I-Scholar Initiative offers more than financial support—it provides a holistic framework designed to maximize your success. Benefits include:
- Sponsorship for standardized tests such as GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL (subject to performance-based conditions)
- Coverage of selected graduate school application fees, based on test results
- End-to-end mentorship, from application through graduation, with dedicated mentors
- Professional networking and leadership development opportunities
- Capacity-building support to prepare scholars for global academic and professional environments
These benefits make iSI one of the most impactful study-abroad scholarship programs for Nigerian students.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this graduate scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Nigerian citizen residing in Nigeria
- Hold a degree from an accredited African institution with a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1) or equivalent (e.g., HND with distinction)
- Be prepared to take required standardized tests by August 2026
- Plan to apply for graduate admission and funding for the 2026/2027 academic session
- Demonstrate strong self-motivation, clear academic goals, and commitment to studying abroad, particularly in the USA
NYSC completion is not mandatory, provided all other criteria are met. The program is open to both recent graduates and professionals with work experience.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Personal Statement – Clearly outline your academic background, motivation, and career goals (concise and focused)
- Examination Study Plan – Describe your exam preparation strategy, timelines, and application plans
- Two Reference Letters:
- One academic (lecturer or supervisor)
- One professional (employer or mentor)
- First Degree Transcript – PDF format, signed and stamped (student copy acceptable initially)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include work experience, volunteer roles, awards, and achievements
- First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
An international passport is not required at the application stage but may be needed later for examinations.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process is free and straightforward. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official application portal and click “Apply”
- Create an account using a valid email address
- Complete the Profile, Personal Information, and Education sections accurately
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats
- Submit your Personal Statement and Examination Study Plan
- Submit your application and monitor your dashboard status
- Reference links will be sent automatically to your referees—ensure they complete them online
- Track your application status until it shows “Completed”
- Take the optional qualifying quiz (up to three attempts); results are displayed instantly
- Review all submissions carefully before final confirmation
Application Timeline
The 2026 I-Scholar Initiative application portal opened on January 12, 2026. While an official deadline has not yet been announced, previous cycles typically closed in early February (e.g., February 9), with possible extensions for references.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and regularly check the official website for updates.